Women's World Cup ~ Cup Preview

January 31st 2013 18:44

The Women's World Cup has been running since 1973 - longer than the men's event, which did not start until 1975.

For the 10th edition of the tournament - and the third hosted by India – which began, the format is unchanged from the 2009 event, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team play the other three teams in its group once on a round-robin format, with the top three teams in each group qualifying for the Super Six phase. In the Super Six, each team plays three games against the qualifiers from the other group, while carrying through their results against the other qualifiers from their original group. There are no semi-finals - the first and second-placed Super Six team’s progress straight to the final on 17 February, while there are also play-offs for third/fourth, fifth/sixth and seventh/eighth place.

England are the reigning champions, and have one of the most formidable sides in Women’s International cricket. Captain Charlotte Edwards is the most capped Women’s International cricketer, and she leads some superb players including wicketkeeper/batsman Sarah Taylor who looks set to play for Sussex 2nd XI cricket alongside men this summer. The only team that looks like they could stand in their way is Australia, though England’s defeat to New Zealand in the practice match could give the Kiwi’s the impetus to push for the top award. England share Group A with India, West Indies and Sri Lanka, and are huge favourites to advance into the very late stages of the competition.

Australia and New Zealand are in Group B with South Africa and Pakistan, who have been told that they have to sleep in the stadium rather than a hotel due to safety concerns. Australia will be expected to face England in the final if everything goes with the grain, but New Zealand could offer up some surprises.